In the battle

Intro: We’re back in our journey through the life of David...

Recap: Last week, we saw a collection of Characters make their way to the king for a number of different reasons…Some came for pardon, some came for the sake of another, some came in the midst of conflict…but one (Mephibosheth came because he simply loved the king)…and that provided us with a great example of what our chief reason for coming to our King should be…not because we’re looking for blessing, but because we want him...

(Prop) So what we’re gonna see today is that even-though David had won the war against Absalom, there were other enemies and their were other battles…and thats just like life...

Thats why Paul says to the ephasians

Ephesians 5:15–17 ESV

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

So what we’re gonna do today, is we’re gonna see this new battle begin to unfold for David…we’re gonna be reminded of the the fact that life itself is a battle for us…and we’re see what we have been given so that we might stand firm in the midst of the battle we go through...

Here they are...

So what we’re gonna do today, is we’re gonna see this new battle begin to unfold for David…we’re gonna be reminded of the the fact that life itself is a battle for us…and we’re see what we have been given so that we might stand firm in the midst of the battle we go through...

The battle goes on

Count the cost

Watch the left hand

Save the city

Now these won’t make any sense right now, but hopefully by the time we’re done, as we march through this passage you’ll see these as helpful battle tips...

Now we’re only gonna be able to cover this section today…and next we’ll hit the rest of it....but we’re gonna jump back a little and how new battle begins....

Here’s the deal, there will come a time when we will be free from battle…but thats not now, we will fully know peace when Jesus comes back…but now, it’s a time for battle...

2 Samuel 19:40–20:1 ESV

40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. All the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king on his way. 41 Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David’s men with him?” 42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. 1 Now there happened to be there a worthless man, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite. And he blew the trumpet and said, “We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!”

2 Samuel 20:1–2 ESV

1 Now there happened to be there a worthless man, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite. And he blew the trumpet and said, “We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!” 2 So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah followed their king steadfastly from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 19:40–20:2 ESV

40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. All the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king on his way. 41 Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David’s men with him?” 42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. 1 Now there happened to be there a worthless man, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite. And he blew the trumpet and said, “We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!” 2 So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah followed their king steadfastly from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

Now, the previous rebellion had barely finished, and we see rebellion had began…and was started by this man named Sheba…now we don’t know a lot about Sheba but here are some things we do know...

2 SAM

Now, the previous rebellion had barely finished, and we see rebellion had began…and was started by this man named sheba…now we don’t know a lot about Sheba but here are some things we do know...

2 sam 19:40-20:

He was of the house of Saul - v.1 He was a Benjaminite - Not only was he of the house of Saul, but some believe that he may have been a close relative of Saul

Now, the previous rebellion had barely finished, and we see rebellion had began…and was started by this man named sheba…now we don’t know a lot about Sheba but here are some things we do know...

He was a “worthless man” v.1 - Now we’re gonna see that he was very influential, some believe he may have been a high ranking official, and we’re gonna see that though David considered him a threat he respected his ability…so he wasn’t worthless in a talent sense…he was worthless in a moral sense

Wisdom in the bible is always attached to morality

He was in the midst of David’s supporters - v.1 Now there happened to be there a worthless man - In other words Sheba was waiting in the weeds amoungst the supporters of David to an opportunity to start an upraising of his own

Sheba took advantage of David’s weakened position after Absalom’s failed rebellion and the conflict between Judah and the other ten tribes ().

Look at what he does...He based his rebellion on three principles common to rebels...

v.1 And he blew the trumpet and said, “We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!”

We have no share in David: Sheba denied the king’s sovereignty. He claimed that David had no right to reign over him or the ten tribes of Israel.

· We have no share in David: Sheba denied the king’s sovereignty. He claimed that David had no right to reign over him or the ten tribes of Israel.

· The son of Jesse: Sheba devalued the king’s identity. Jesse was a humble farmer and Sheba wanted to emphasize David’s humble beginning.

The son of Jesse: Sheba devalued the king’s identity. Jesse was a humble farmer and Sheba wanted to emphasize David’s humble beginning.

He based his rebellion on three principles common to rebels...

Every man to his tents: Sheba decided to go his own way and drew others with him. - He essentally says “You don’t need an authority to rule of you, you can rule over yourself…break free from the oppressive chains of the kings reign and be your own king...

· Every man to his tents: Sheba decided to go his own way and drew others with him. He acted on his low opinion of David.

App: This was the vision of the of 20th century western mind…

“let’s war against God, and his oppressive, anti love, anti women agenda…let’s break free form the authoritative rule of God…and lets create a utopian society of our own making…it’s gonna be paradise”

The only problem with that vision is that all those things have come to past, but people are more unhappy and fragile then ever before…It’s time for another dream I think...

“The fate of the anti God revolutionist is wake up one day, realize the revelation he or she had been dreaming about has come and It’s nothing like they expected”

But Sheba sounds the trumpet and look what happens...

2 Samuel 20:2 ESV

2 So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah followed their king steadfastly from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

You can just put right next to this phrase in the bible “Are you kidding me” It’s hard to believe that the people who had just come back to the king…and we’re fighting with Judah over the king…would be so quick to abandon the king again…

The truth was the we’re still upset…so they abandoned the whole thing

But here’s the lesson that we need to learn about people…People are fickle…

Here’s the example - The tribe of Judah…the desertion of the other provided Judah with an opportunity to show their loyalty to the king

App: Can I tell you, thats when Loyalty is seen for a follower of Jesus…not in the good times…but in the times when the fickle people desert...

When Jesus is upopular

When He doesn’t do for you what you want him to do for you...

When

Peter “Where else am I gonna go?…only you hold the words of eternal life”

Here’s the first big take away from this passage…Battles and hardships will always be a part of your life as a believer…when one ends, it’s just a matter of time before another begins…So the goal in life is not to avoid battles…but be prepared for them

Here’s the

Paul tells us how to be prepared for them...

You’re gonna need strentgh…God has provided that...

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Do you ever go though times where you say to yourself “I can’t do this?” do you know that God hard wired you to have that response, because you were never meant to do it alone…Your might is not mighty enough, thats where God gave you his…so that you would have a strentgh to run to in the midst of the biggest battle...

Ephesians 6:10–17 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Eph 6

Psalm 18:10 ESV

10 He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.

Proverbs 18:10 NLT

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Eph 6:10-17

pslam 18:10

Your gonna need protection

Ephesians 6:11–12 ESV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

eph 6:11

So here’s the situation, there is a battle going on for the minds and ultimately the souls of people, there’s multiple methods being used…

Wether your taking about the hard power of the rulers like Nero, Hitler, Communist Russia…That pushed forward their God agenda at the tip of a spare of end of a gun...Or your talking about power of Godless professors, Celebrities, and media...It’s important to understand that whatever the channel, the source is more then human....it’s supernatural…

But God has not left us ill equipped…He has provided us with a spiritual armor for the battle....

Or your talking about power of Godless professors, Celebrities, and media

It’s important to understand that whatever the channel, the source is more then human....it’s supernatural…but

Ephesians 6:13–14 ESV

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ephesians 6:13–19 ESV

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

Ephesians 6:13–14 ESV

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Now this passage will go on to describe in great detail the armor of God…but Let’s think about this...

EOH 6:13-19

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore...

We’re told in the midst of the battle to take up or put on the whole armor of God

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

ePH 6:

Here’s the point: in the battles of this life…your strentgh will never be enough strentgh to battle against the enemies attack…your gonna need to strong in the Lords might, not yours...

Here’s the point: in the battles of this life…there coming, but God has provided for you the tools to stand in the midst of the batt

In other words, you have been given the means to stand in the battles of this…you don’t have to create the means the’ve been given…you ever-day you’re gonna need to do 3 big things

“Take up armor” - God has provided strength for you, but it will never benefit you if you don’t personally personally take up the armor yourself

“Take up the WHOLE armor” v.13 - I remember the first time i went paint balling as a kid…one of the guys that i was decided that it would be a good idea to not wear his googles because they kept fogging up…yeah he got shot in the eye...

Put the whole armor on

“And having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore”V.13-14 - Jesus done the work…But you have to stand in the promises..

Here’s the first 2 pieces...

and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore...

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Alright so lets’ talk about these pieces..

This speaks of clarity...

I like the way the KJV says it “Having your loins girt about with truth” -

Ephesians 6:14 KJV 1900

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Illastration - Thats old testament warrior language…guys wore tunic…big dresses, it was hard to work, let alone fight, so they would gather up all the martial and they would tie it in a knot, and fasten it to their belt

Now this was an action that took place before the armor would go in…this was underneath the armor

App 1:Here’s the point, when you go through a difficult time…theirs an even greater battle thats going on in your mind…a battle of thoughts

So many different types

Healthy

Fearful thoughts

discouraging

When need a standard that sits outside of our emotions, and the worlds ever changing opinions that can serve as a “quality control manager” thats can sort out the truth from the Lies

God’s truth

App: 2 This makes me think about so many times…people hit the battle field before they’ve put the belt on and get sniped by the enemy…or because they don’t know the truth…they start working for the enemy

App: This is a good picture of the thought life of a believer when we go through various trials and battles…our thoughts must be girded up by the truth of God’s word

Our thoughts must be girded up by the truth of God’s word

You’re gonna think things are unprofitable…it’s human…it’s not a question of whether you will have those thoughts…the question what are you gonna do with them?

Let the belt of God’s truth…decipher between whats true and whats not....between whats rational, and whats not...

This speaks of favor....

Now the bible talks about 2 types of righteousness…the righteousness that Jesus gives us through faith () but also an uprightness of character...

When the pressure hits, People start watching, the old man or women start trying to get out...and in those moments by the power of the holy Spirit we must we put on that breast plate of righteousness...

We remember that Jesus has made us righteous…and we walk in that reality

Illastration: I was talking to a friend this week about parenting, and on of the things, we mentioned doing more frequently is laying down for a our a “foundation of Approval” that our kids can then begin their day upon

Dad loves you…now go out…and kill it...

As silly as that sounds....thats a great way to put on the breast plate of righteousness…God loves you…now go out and kill it

Here’s another

This speaks of perspective...

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

eph 6:15

Now you have to remember Paul, was locked up in a Roman prison at this point, he would have become well aquatinted with roman solder gear…and one of the things about roman solders shoe’s according to Josephus was that they had nails for grip…it kept them from slipping in the battle and I think that might the picture trying to paint for us here

When we go though hard times… things can get slippery and if we have no firm foundation to hold onto…but when we have on the “shoes of readiness given by the gospel” we have a grip on whats important...

Here’s the readiness…in Paul’s words

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 ESV

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:14 ESV

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;

Jesus loves

When we walk through this life with this readiness…we can walk though death, trail, adversity…and say

Your liv

God is good

It’s not about me…it’s doing something in me

Haven is my home…I’m good

here’s another one...

This speaks of defense

Ephesians 6:16 ESV

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

eoh 6:16

He says “In all situations take up (once again a choice) the shield of faith…

the large oblong scutum shaped like a door (and the Gk. word thyreos used for shield comes from the word for ‘door’) which in effect did cover much of the body.

Now in order to know how the shield of faith works, you have to know what the “flaming darts of the enemy” are…The primary attacks of Satan according to Jesus are lies

Jesus describes Satan like this...

John 8:44 ESV

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

john 8

So any time…in any situation you begin to entertain notions that are against the truth of who Jesus says you are…thats a lie and though it might not be from the devil…It’s of the devil

That thought is a dart from the evil…and it needs to be deflected by the shield of faith…you need to agree with what God has already said about you...

When you slip up and theirs that voice that says “you’ll never change” the shield of faith

When you in a trial and that same voice tells you that “you’re on your own” the shield of faith

have big faith…don’t settle for a small shield

Here’s the last two...

Ephesians 6:17 ESV

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

This speaks of hope and security

Look God is good, but at times life can be difficult…and when we’re in the battle it’s we have a tendency to think that whats happening now…is whats always gonna happen…but here’s the reality of the matter according to God’s word...

Jesus has already won…Jesus has saved me

Satan has already lost

Heaven is my destination...

I think about it like Dominos

or

D- Day and V- Day…June 6 1944 and May 5th 1945

App: If you are in a battle today…would you please just know that whatever happens in that battle…Jesus has won the war

How can you know God’s truth....How can know Jesus’ righteousness…how can you know your purpose? what can build your faith and ground your hope?…the Sword of the the spirit which is the word of God

Jesus used it as a defense against the temptations of the enemy

Joshua used it as motivation to go out and claim God’s promises

Whatever you use it for today…Just use it

Jesus said this...

Matthew 4:4 ESV

4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

The psalmist said this...

Psalm 19:7 ESV

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

App: The more aquatinted you are with the sword of the spirit…the more you will know how to use it and the stronger you’ll be in the battle

Conclusion: So a new battle began for David, and new battles will begin for you…But take heart, and take use of the armor of God today...

Know God’s truth - Have your thoughts girded up by the belt of God’s truth

Know God’s approval - Step out in confidence today knowing that because of Jesus you have on the breast plate of God’s righteousness

Remember why your here - Let the gospel of peace secure your steps

Trust him - Hold up the shield of faith to know down the darts of the evil one

Know Jesus has won the war - The helmet of salvation

Read God’s word daily....so that these promises remain fresh...

This is your hope in the midst of the battle

In the battle

The Battle goes on for David

How do we prepare for the battle?

The belt of truth

Count the cost

Watch the left hand

Spare the city

The breastplate of righteousness

The shoes of the gospel of peace

The shield of faith

The helmet of salvation

The sword of the spirit